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I’m Not Aware Of N5,000 Notes –Mark
The Senate President, David Mark has denied knowledge of the proposed introduction of N5000 notes by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), noting that this is basically why he has not taken any position on the issue.
Mark, who made the assertion while declaring open the 8th All Nigeria Editors Conference organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State yesterday, said that if as Senate president, he was yet to be furnished with information on the proposed restructuring of the nation’s currency, then something must be wrong somewhere.
The Senate president stated that the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) had provided enough room for editors to decipher what constitutes national security.
Describing the theme of the conference, “The Nigerian Editor and National Security’’ as apt, he advised the editors not to allow “breaking news to break up the country’’.
“The problem we have is the balance between what will make you remain in business and what constitutes national security issue.
“I believe that journalists are very patriotic people because they are the first victims of any major crisis.”
The Senate president described media as an important tool in the business of statecraft, national survival and preservation, and advised editors to be extra careful, fair and conscious of national unity, because security issues covered infrastructure, health, welfare and energy, among others.
Earlier in a goodwill message, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep Emeka Ihedioha, noted that editors’ challenge had always been that of balancing constitutional duty and national security.
Ihedioha said the National Assembly recently passed the ‘Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011’ to assist in the fight against terrorism, and said that the legislature would welcome recommendations that would further improve national security legislation.
He assured editors that the house would stand firm with the media until terrorism was defeated, adding that the National Assembly would not impose any decision on the people in the ongoing constitutional reforms.
“We will pander to the well articulated interests of the people as far as the constitution amendment process is concerned.
“We shall soon embark on intense consultations with the people at the grassroots. The media has a crucial role to “play in this consultative process,” Ihedioha said.
In another goodwill message, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) pledged to support the guild in all its activities.
Delivering the association’s message, Mrs Comfort Obi, the publisher of ‘The Source Magazine’, lauded the guild for the theme of the conference.
She advised them to see reportage as a sacred duty and to do so with all sense of responsibility.
Similarly, the NUJ President, Mr Mohammed Garba, noted that the media had a crucial role to play in the knotty issue of national security and conflict management.
Garba expressed the hope that the conference would make recommendations that would assist in nation building.
Also speaking, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom advised Nigerian journalists to be more patriotic in the course of their duties.
According to the governor, “we should clothe this country in beautiful garments as editors so that it will be a better place for us to live in’’.
He said the security challenges in parts of the country had hindered socio-economic growth and advised journalists to imbibe the virtue of patriotism.
“You should be able to transmit information as journalists with respect to national security at heart.
“We are at a critical time of our nation’s development agenda; it will, therefore, be necessary for you to edit and publish stories that will help in driving national development,” Akpabio said.
He said past leadership had made efforts aimed at achieving meaningful development, but hindered by ethnic bias and violent practices.
The governor said efforts should be made to address the problem of national security to sustain the economic growth.
He said that Muslim leaders in the state would meet on Sept. 23, to address issues bordering on security.
In his goodwill message, Mr Bayo Atoyebi, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, urged journalists to collaborate with security agencies to tackle insecurity.
“As gatekeepers, we must work closely with each other so as to proffer solutions to the issue of security,” he said.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo